Pakistan Air Force Jet Crashes

A Pakistani air force fighter crashed in the Arabian Sea about 20 miles south of the port city of Karachi, an air force official said Friday. The fate of the pilot was unknown.

The French-made Mirage fighter jet was on a routine surveillance mission overnight but went missing soon after taking off from an air base in Karachi, the official said on the condition of anonymity. The pilot did not broadcast any distress signal. An inquiry has been ordered.

Military tensions have been high between rivals India and Pakistan since Dec. 13, prompted by a suicide attack on India's parliament. New Delhi has blamed the attack on Pakistan-based militants fighting to liberate the Indian-ruled portion of the disputed territory of Kashmir.